A man dressed as Father Christmas has robbed an Oxford clothing store at knifepoint.

The robber walked into the Next store in Oxford Retail Park, Cowley, at about 9.30am this morning before threatening a member of staff and demanding cash from a safe.

The Next worker handed over the cash and the robber cycled off towards Blackbird Leys bridge.

Police described the robber as a white man, of medium build, about 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall, in his 30s. He was wearing a blue fleece and jeans under the Santa outfit.

Det Sgt Mark Stalder appealed for witnesses to call 101.

He said: “This was a frightening incident which has left the staff member very shaken.

“We would urge anyone shopping around the Oxford Retail Park this morning who saw a man on a bike, dressed as Father Christmas, who has not spoken to us already to get in touch as a matter of urgency.”